Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain

Written by Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester

Methodology

Here at Mattress Nerd, we’ve tested hundreds of mattresses to bring you unbiased, expert reviews of the top brands. Learn more.

In This Article

We’re rounding up our top picks for the best mattress for shoulder pain on the market. Here’s what you need to know about each one.

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Whether you’re living with shoulder pain from joint inflammation, an injury, or a chronic illness, constant discomfort and aching in the shoulder and neck area can have an impact on the quality of your daily life. There are many options available to alleviate pain in these areas, but among the most accessible is ensuring you’re sleeping on the right mattress to prevent and reduce pain.

In this guide, we share the best mattresses for shoulder pain. These selections are meant to suit a wide variety of mattress shoppers with shoulder pain, from those who sleep hot to value shoppers and overweight individuals. Keep reading to discover mattresses that can keep the shoulders moving smoothly, encourage joint health, and will balance contouring and support for the shoulder.

Bottom Line: What’s the Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain?

The Nerd’s pick for the best mattress for shoulder pain is the Saatva mattress because of its cooling technology and firmness levels to keep you supported and comfortable.

Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain

• Saatva – Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain as a Side Sleeper
• WinkBeds GravityLux – Best Cooling Mattress
• GhostBed Flex – Best for Back Sleepers with Shoulder Pain
• Brooklyn Bedding Spartan – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Shoulder Pain
• Casper Wave Hybrid – Best Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers
• Purple Hybrid Premier – Best Hybrid Mattress
• Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress

Chosen by Experts and Advocates

Our team of mattress testers and certified sleep science coaches consists of many different types of sleepers with many different preferences. We test the performance of mattresses ourselves to check how they do based on cooling, edge support, responsiveness, motion isolation, and more. To learn more, check out our review process.

Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain as a Side Sleeper: Saatva

Pros of the Saatva Mattress

Great edge support

Several firmness options

Sleeps cool

Cons of the Saatva Mattress

Expensive

The Saatva comes in three firmness levels, Plush Soft, Luxury Firm and Firm, that have different ratings on the 1–10 firmness scale. The Plush Soft (4/10) and Luxury Firm (6/10) are best for side sleepers with shoulder pain. The euro-top cover, polyfoam comfort layer and memory foam comfort layer work in tandem to provide body conforming that’s generous but not so deep that the shoulder joint won’t feel supported.

The support core, made from durable bonnell coils, helps the mattress maintain an even surface to prevent sagging and further discomfort. It also comes in two heights (11.5” and 14.5”) so that sleepers can choose the option that feels comfortable when getting on and off the mattress. We recommend the Plush Soft setting for lightweight side sleepers and the Luxury Firm setting for average weight side sleepers. Heavyweight side sleepers will find proper support on the Firm setting.

What our testers say: “The two layers of lumbar support make the Saatva Classic a great mattress for people with back pain. With three firmness options, it can accommodate almost every sleeping position and body type, too.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Saatva Mattress

• Hot sleepers as it has temperature regulation technology and materials to keep you cool
• People with back pain due to its firmness and ability to help align neck and spine

Who Might Not Like the Saatva Mattress

• Couples easily disturbed by movement because this mattress is not the best at motion isolation
• Shoppers on a tight budget as this mattress is not the cheapest

Other User Reviews

On the Saatva website, the Saatva Classic mattress scored a 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 2, 800 reviews. The reviews praise the customer support and comfort levels of the mattress. However, complaints callout sagging in the mattress after only a year and the need for early replacement.

See our full Saatva mattress review to learn more. Not the mattress for you? Check out our list for best mattresses for side sleepers for more options.

Best Cooling Mattress: WinkBeds GravityLux

Pros of the WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress

Sleeps cool

Good motion isolation

Cons of the WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress

Expensive

Poor edge support

Not great option for heavyweight sleepers

The GravityLux is a great choice for sleepers who want an all-foam bed with more responsiveness, cooling, and durability than is usually found in foam mattresses. It’s also a great pick for people who are unsure of their ideal firmness level, since it comes in three firmness options that are broad enough to suit most sleeper types.

The GravityLux is composed of key materials including the AirCell memory foam comfort layer and the Progression Foam transition layer. The AirCell has air capsules that absorb shock, so it can alleviate pressure and push back lightly against the body for dynamic support. The Progression Foam is zoned, meaning that it’s firmer in some areas (the hips and lower back) and softer in other areas (the shoulders) making this mattress a great option for those that experience shoulder pain.

What our testers say: “Here’s the final breakdown: the GravityLux is a great choice for sleepers who want an all-foam bed with more responsiveness, cooling, and durability than is usually found in foam mattresses.” – Becca, Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress

• Sleepers wanting pressure relief
• Hot sleepers
• Couples

Who Might Not Like the WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress

• Budget Shoppers
• Sleepers wanting a spring bed
• Seniors

Other User Reviews

On the WinkBeds website, this mattress scored a 4.8 out of 5 stars, from over 200 reviews. Many reviews praise the ability of this mattress to help alleviate pain, especially in their backs and shoulders.

See our full WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress Review to learn more. If you would like to see more great options, check out our best cooling mattresses page.

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers With Shoulder Pain: GhostBed Flex

Pros of the GhostBed Flex

Sleeps cool

Good edge support

Good for couples

Cons of the GhostBed Flex

Off-gassing smell

Not firm enough for stomach sleepers

Not budget friendly

Although you might most closely associate shoulder pain with side sleeping, it’s a problem that can and does affect all types of sleepers. If you’re a back sleepers who suffer from shoulder pain, you will want to look for a mattress that has middle-of-the-road firmness and good pressure relief; the GhostBed Flex checks both of these boxes.

Sitting at 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, the GhostBed Flex will keep your shoulders supported and your whole body cushioned and cozy. The pressure relief rounds out the shoulder pain mitigation by cradling this sensitive area.

What our testers say: “The GhostBed Flex pairs effective cooling features with contouring memory foam and supportive coils. This combination is a good fit for average-weight side sleepers, back sleepers of all body types, hot sleepers, and couples. Stomach sleepers should opt for a firmer mattress, and budget shoppers will want to look elsewhere.” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the GhostBed Flex Mattress

• Side Sleepers
• Hot Sleepers
• Back Sleepers

Who Might Not Like the GhostBed Flex Mattress

• Stomach Sleepers
• Firm Mattress Fans
• Budget Shoppers

Other User Reviews

On the GhostBed website, this mattress scored a 4.8 out of 5 stars, from over 700 reviews. Praise is given to the cooling features of this mattress and its comfort levels. There are complaints about delayed communication or the feeling being an extreme of “too soft” or “too firm” for some.

See our full GhostBed Flex mattress review to learn more. If the GhostBed isn’t the right fit, check out more options on our best mattresses for back sleepers article.

Best Mattress for Combo Sleepers with Shoulder Pain: Brooklyn Spartan

Pros of the Brooklyn Spartan

Sleeps cool

Great relief for those with joint and back pain

Reinforced edges

Cons of the Brooklyn Spartan

Expensive

Slow response time

If you suffer from shoulder pain, you likely know how uncomfortable switching positions in bed can be. With the Brooklyn Spartan, tossing and turning doesn’t have to be a challenge. Because of its high responsiveness score, this mattress allows you to switch from back to side to stomach sleeping with relative ease, even if you have shoulder pain.

The Spartan comes in three firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm. For combination sleepers with shoulder pain, we’d recommend the medium version, as it has just enough firmness to keep you from feeling “trapped” in the top layers of the mattress. As far as your shoulder pain goes, the pressure relief in the medium Spartan can help reduce unnecessary stress to this sensitive area.

What our testers say: “While we can’t say for certain whether the Spartan mattress speeds up muscle recovery, we can say that it has all of the features necessary for a restful, restorative night’s sleep. We recommend it to back and side sleepers who sleep hot, as well as couples who need motion isolation.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Brooklyn Spartan Mattress

• Hot sleepers
• Couples
• Athletes or those with an active lifestyle
• Back sleepers of all body types—lightweight (< 130 lbs), average-weight (130–230 lbs), and heavyweight (> 230 lbs)

Who Might Not Like the Brooklyn Spartan Mattress

• Stomach sleepers over 230 lbs
• Average-weight side sleepers
• Budget-conscious shoppers

Other User Reviews

On the Brooklyn Bedding website, this mattress scored a 4.8 out of 5 stars, from over 300 reviews. Praise is given to the high quality materials used in the bed and the great customer service. However, there were complaints that customers could feel the springs in the mattress.

See our full Brooklyn Spartan mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Nolah, take a look at our article on the best mattresses for combination sleepers.

Best Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers: Casper Wave Hybrid

Pros of the Casper Wave Hybrid

Sleeps cool

Great for couples

Good edge support

Cons of the Casper Wave Hybrid

Not built for heavyweight sleepers

Minimal “body hug” feel

Not firm enough for many

The quest for the perfect mattress for lightweight sleepers with shoulder pain can prove challenging. These sleeper types already need more conforming than average due to their weight class, and the addition of joint pain often requires them to seek even more pressure-relieving qualities. The Wave Hybrid has a thick, deep comfort system that will contour closely to lightweight sleepers, causing them to feel as though they’re sleeping “in” the mattress rather than “on” it.

The comfort materials, which contain polyfoam, blended latex and memory foam, will provide generous shoulder room in the side sleeping position as well as posterior and anterior relief in the back and stomach sleeping positions, respectively. Just as importantly, the bed doesn’t sacrifice the spinal alignment of lightweight sleepers with pain; it has an ergonomic transitional layer that supports the spine and hips in proper alignment without adding any pressure.

What our testers say: “The Casper Hybrid is an affordable hybrid mattress that’s excellent for people with body aches and pains. A layer of Zoned Support foam provides more give at lighter body parts and more support around the body’s heavier regions. The result is top-notch pressure relief and spine alignment.” – Becca, Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Casper Hybrid Mattress

• Lightweight and average-weight people of all sleeping positions
• Couples who share a bed
• People with back pain
• Hot sleepers

Who Might Not Like the Casper Hybrid Mattress

• Plus-size people
• Firm mattress fans
• People who want a deep hugging feel

Other User Reviews

On the Casper website, this mattress received a 4.6 out of 5 stars, from over 2,000 reviews. Praise is given to the ease of purchasing this mattress online and great satisfaction with the support and comfort levels of the mattress. There were some complaints about fiberglass being included in materials and short life of the mattress.

See our full Casper Hybrid mattress to learn more.

Best Hybrid Mattress: Purple Hybrid Premier

Pros of the Purple Hybrid Premier

Sleeps very cool

Reinforced edges

Cons of the Purple Hybrid Premier

Expensive

Unique feel

No soft foam

People struggling with shoulder pain tend to gravitate toward memory foam mattresses and all-foam mattresses which, while known for their pressure-relieving qualities, can sacrifice spinal alignment when chosen in the wrong firmness setting and create more pain. The Purple Hybrid Premier combines a luxuriously conforming comfort portion in medium and medium-soft firmness settings with 7.5” pocketed coils and a 1” transitional layer for even support. The result is a mattress that will gently buckle where pressure is applied, like at the hips and shoulders, while the rest of the mattress remains flat to encourage proper alignment of the spine.

The Purple Hybrid Premier is available in two options: 12” with 3” comfort layer and 13” with a 4” comfort layer. The 13” model conforms more closely, making it the better choice for shoulder cushioning and overall joint pain. It’s also the better option for side sleepers, who often struggle with shoulder issues from sleeping on one side more often than the other.

What our testers say: “The Purple Hybrid Premier checks a lot of boxes. It supports healthy spinal alignment in every sleeping position, it works for every body size, and it evenly distributes body weight for a weightless and comfortable sleeping experience. It’s responsive, has sturdy edges, and even does a good job minimizing motion transfer.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Purple Hybrid Mattress

• Hot sleepers
• Lightweight, heavyweight, and average-weight folks
• People with body aches and pains

Who Might Not Like the Purple Hybrid Mattress

• Memory foam lovers
• Firm mattress fans
• Budget shoppers

Other User Reviews

On the Purple website, this mattress scored a 4.4 out of 5 stars, from over 29,000 reviews. Many users said that they woke up pain-free for the first time in years after using this mattress. However, there were complaints about the short life of this mattress and lumps in the materials formed over time. 

See our full Purple Hybrid Premier Mattress Review to learn more. Or, take a look at our full list of the best hybrid mattresses.

Best Memory Foam Mattress: Nectar

Pros of the Nectar Mattress

Sleeps cool

Limited motion transfer

Provides pain relief in the shoulders and hips

Cons of the Nectar Mattress

Poor edge support

Slow response time

Not supportive enough for heavyweight sleepers

A medium-firm mattress with contouring layers, the Nectar is an affordable pick for average weight side sleepers and lightweight back sleepers who struggle with shoulder pain. It excels in balancing conforming and support, which is key to comfortable sleep for people with aches and pains. Roughly a 6/10 on the 1–10 firmness scale, this 11” mattress combines layers of cooling gel memory foam with standard memory foam to provide moderate conforming without any sagging.

Since this isn’t the most pressure relieving mattress on this list, we recommend it for people suffering from modest to occasional shoulder pain, but it isn’t the best pick for chronic pain sufferers. If you find your current mattress isn’t suitable for your shoulder condition and simply want a foam bed that’s affordable, universally comfortable and comes with great policies (the Nectar is backed by a year-long trial and a Lifetime warranty), this is a good option.

What our testers say: “Those who like the traditional feel of memory foam but tend to sleep hot will appreciate the gel-infused memory foam. These folks will get the “hug” of memory foam with cooling gel to help regulate their temperature. Sleepers on a budget will also appreciate this quality mattress at an affordable price.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Nectar Mattress

• Hot sleepers who still want a memory foam mattress
• Average-weight back and side sleepers
• Couples who crave top-notch motion isolation 

Who Might Not Like the Nectar Mattress

• People who want a traditional, bouncy mattress
• Those who sleep along the edge of their bed
• Average-weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers

Other User Reviews

On the Nectar website, this mattress received a 4.7 out of 5 stars, from over 55,000 reviews. Praise is given to the back support this mattress provides and extreme satisfaction with their sleep. The negative reviews on the site had to deal with their customer service and experience.

See our full Nectar mattress review to learn more. If the Nectar doesn’t sound like a good fit, check out more options on our best memory foam mattress page.

How Does Mattress Firmness Affect Shoulder Pain?

Selecting the right firmness setting when buying a new mattress is essential to the health, comfort and satisfaction of any sleeper, but it’s absolutely critical for people struggling with shoulder pain. Because of the amount of time we spend every night in bed, choosing a mattress that’s too soft or too firm for your body type, sleeping position and pain type can worsen the issue, even if your sleeping style wasn’t the root cause of the pain in the first place.

The right firmness setting for sleepers with shoulder pain depends on a handful of factors, some of which should be considered by all sleepers and some of which are unique to shoulder pain sufferers: body weight, primary sleeping position, and pain type. 

Lightweight sleepers generally need soft to medium soft mattresses, average weight sleepers should lean toward medium to medium-firm mattresses, and heavyweight sleepers most often require firm and very firm mattresses for adequate support. Your body weight is just a starting point, however. For example, lightweight side sleepers should choose softer mattresses within the aforementioned recommended range, while lightweight back sleepers and stomach sleepers need firmer mattresses to support the shoulders and hips.

Finally, taking the type and location of shoulder pain into consideration is essential. If you have pain in one shoulder, you’re likely a side sleeper and will need a softer mattress to prevent extra aches from developing. If you have pain in both shoulders, it’s recommended that you sleep on your back and therefore select a mattress with a feel that’s on the firmer side of what’s appropriate for your body weight.

At the end of the day, finding a comfortable mattress setting from the wide variety of firmness options may take some trial and error. Be sure to select mattresses with generous trial periods and free returns to make the process of finding the right one as smooth as possible. Check out our mattress firmness guide for more information.

Considerations for Shoulder Pain and Sleep

Here’s what sleepers with shoulder pain should keep in mind when shopping for a new mattress:

Firmness

While subjective, mattress firmness can impact how comfortable, pressure-relieving and rest-inducing a mattress is to an individual. As mentioned above, your body type and primary sleeping position will dictate a safe range of firmness settings to select from. From there, we recommend narrowing down based on your personal preferences and the intensity of your shoulder pain. See our lists of best soft mattresses and best firm beds for more information.

Price

The cost of a mattress can make a huge hit on your budget, as some beds cost more than $2,000. All-foam and innerspring mattresses tend to be the most affordable styles, while latex and hybrid mattresses are more expensive. Still, you can find plenty of good mattresses for under $1,000 and even under $500.

Pressure Relief

If you have chronic shoulder pain, contouring and pressure relief around the shoulder joint is crucial throughout the night. Look for mattresses that conform somewhat closely to very closely. Memory foam mattresses usually do a good job of relieving pressure in the hip and shoulder areas. 

Mattress Type

Every mattress type has pros and cons, and knowing which styles can provide the characteristics you’re looking for can make mattress shopping much easier. Here’s our guide to mattress styles.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness is the measure of how well a mattress accommodates your movements. If the responsiveness is below average then you will likely find it much more difficult to switch from one sleeping position to another, or even get out of bed. This is especially true if you have shoulder pain. For something with high responsiveness, check out our list of the best latex mattresses.

Sleep Position and Shoulder Pain

Selecting the right sleeping position can help reduce or prevent shoulder pain. Here’s a look at how the different primary sleeping positions can improve or worsen pain:

Side Sleeping

While not a recommended position by sleep experts and doctors, a large majority of people sleep on their sides. Keep in mind that sleeping on the side with pain can exacerbate issues, and sleeping on only one side all the time can create shoulder pain. Sleeping with your bad shoulder facing up or rotating sides each night is ideal. If you’re dedicated to this position, head over to our best mattresses for side sleepers guide.

Back Sleeping

Back sleeping is gentle on the shoulders, hips and other sensitive areas. Be sure to select a mattress with a firmness setting that’s appropriate for back sleeping at your body weight. See our mattress firmness guide for guidance on choosing the right setting for back sleeping.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is known to worsen shoulder pain and is not recommended. Instead, try training your self to sleep on your back or with your bad shoulder facing up.

Combination Sleeping

If you use more than one of the three primary sleep positions on a nightly basis, you’re a combination sleeper. This can actually be beneficial for people with shoulder pain as it improves circulation, as long as you’re not spending too much time on your bad shoulder or on your stomach. Want to check our more mattress options? Check out our Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers page.

Recap of the Top Rated Mattresses for Shoulder Pain

Mattress Model	Award	Firmness Level
Saatva	Best for Side Sleepers	Varies
WinkBed GravityLux	Best for Cooling	Varies
GhostBed Flex	Best for Back Sleepers	6.5/10
Brooklyn Spartan	Best for Combo Sleepers	Varies
Casper Wave Hybrid	Best for Lightweight Sleepers	Varies
Purple Hybrid Premier	Best Hybrid Mattress	Varies
Nectar	Best Memory Foam	6/10

Final Thoughts

Shoulder pain is very common in side sleepers, and other sleeping positions as well. If you find yourself suffering from this type of pain, we are here to give you our recommendations to help you.

The Nerd’s pick is the Saatva mattress because of its cooling technology and firmness levels to keep you supported and comfortable. No matter your specific needs, we share our top picks for the best mattress for shoulder pain.

FAQs on Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain

Is a firm or soft mattress good for shoulder pain?

Most shoppers think of firmness only in terms of preference, but the firmness of a mattress will impact how it sleeps. It is important to pay attention to your weight as well when deciding on firmness levels. 

Anything under a 5 on the firmness scale is considered soft. If you are petite (less than 130 lbs), a softer mattress may feel supportive enough for you. We have found that a firmness around 5 makes for an ideal sleeping surface for a side sleeper of average weight (between 130 and 230 lbs). A mattress is considered firm when it falls above a 7 on the firmness scale. If you’re on the heavier side or have a large build (over 230 lbs), your shoulders and hips sink further into the mattress the softer it is. As such, you may find that firmer mattresses provide the support that you need.

Why does my shoulder hurt when I sleep?

You may experience shoulder pain when you wake up if your mattress does not support your body. The mattress needs to be firm enough to ensure you do not completely sink into the mattress and your weight is not distributed equally. 

Is memory foam good for shoulder pain?

Memory foam could be good for shoulder pain if it provides appropriate support for your body. Shoulder pain is normally caused when your mattress is not equally distributing your weight. The Nectar original mattress is a good memory foam option for sleepers with shoulder pain. 

Loren Bullock

Lead Mattress Tester

About Author

Loren is the Senior Associate of Content at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel.

Combination Sleeper

Education & Credentials

• Certified Sleep Science Coach